Morne Steyn’s outstanding Super 14 form has seen him realise his dream of becoming a Springbok.

There are 10 players each from the Bulls and Sharks, four from the Stormers and two each from the Lions and Cheetahs in the 28-man squad.

Steyn is likely to cover flyhalf in case of injury or loss of form to incumbent Ruan Pienaar, with Stormers pivot Peter Grant overlooked. There’s also recognition for Wynand Olivier’s superb form throughout the Super 14.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers singled out Johann Muller and Heinrich Brussow as being ‘very unlucky’ to miss out on selection, while there is also no place for the in-form Akona Ndungane – his brother Odwa preferred instead.

The one unexpected selection is Sharks prop Deon Carstens, who will provide cover at both loosehead and tighthead.

There is no recognised fullback in the squad. Reports suggest that Jaque Fourie is likely to fill the void left by Conrad Jantjes. Bulls fullback Zane Kirchner was thought to stand a good chance of cracking the squad, but he will play for a strong Emerging Boks side instead.